In California, the first bite is not free; dog bites and other animal attacks cause serious bodily injury as well as leave emotional scars. It is not necessary to show a prior incident or that the animal was predisposed to danger. We at Akiva Niamehr LLP are a Los Angeles based firm that represents victims of dog and other animal incidents that cause personal injury.

Dog Bite Attacks

Owners Are Responsible

California law applies a rule of strict liability for pet owners for the acts and injuries caused by their animals. The law requires the injured person to prove ownership of the animal and that the victim was lawfully present when attacked. The law also requires the injured victim to not be in violation of the law when the injury occurred i.e. as a trespasser or burglar.

If a dog or other pet attacks you or a loved one, then you should contact us right away for a consultation. We have experienced attorneys standing by to advise you on the law as it applies to your situation and your claim against the dog owner and landlord where the injury occurred. If the bite causes any significant physical injury, medical expenses, and any type of short or long-term injury, you should consider pursuing your claim against the lawful owner of the dangerous animal.

You may be able to recover damages for your physical injuries, medical costs, and pain and suffering. You may also make a claim for future medical costs if warranted. If you lose time from work or business, you can claim for your economic losses including any reduction in your long-term ability to work and earn.

Because the dog bite can involve deliberate or malicious misconduct, California law provides for punitive damages that can add to your recovery for pain and economic losses. The law seeks to punish the dog owner for his or her conduct associated with the attack such as when someone "sicks" a dog to attack. Also, where the owner of the dog knows of the dangerous propensity of its pet and lets the dog wander without a leash, punitive damages can be sought.

Records and Information

If you get bitten by a dog or other pet, you should immediately collect information to prepare your claim. You should make a record of the place the event happened, the name of the owner or person in control of the animal, and if possible take photos of the animal and the scene.

You may not be able to do any of these things right away since you are injured, but you can ask others for help. If possible, you should get the names of any witnesses to the attack. You should ask for the cell phone numbers of anyone that might have taken video of any part of the event. You should also get the personal information of the owner of the pet and the landlord upon which the incident/injury took place.

Common Types of Dot Bite Injuries

The following are some of the most common dog bite injuries questions:

How Many People Really Get Bitten by Dogs?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 4.7 million people in the United States sustain dog bites annually. Most of the people who die from dog attacks are senior citizens or children who are 14 years of age or younger.

How Does California Law Treat Dog Bite Attacks?

The state of California has a strict liability dog bite statute, which means that whenever a dog bites someone, its owner is responsible. This is true whether or not the owner was negligent or the animal has ever bitten anyone before.

What Are the Effects of a Dog Bite Attack?

Some dog breeds have extremely sharp teeth that can rip flesh, and strong jaws that can break the bone underneath. When children and infants are involved in a dog bite attack, they are likely to be bitten in the face. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that almost 65% of children less than four years old who were attacked by dogs received neck and head injuries. Adults are more likely to sustain arm and leg injuries, including broken bones, amputation, scarring, nerve damage and more.

Dog bites can cause permanent injuries and lifelong phobias, affecting your ability to care for yourself and your family, as well as the quality of your life. The law firm of Akiva Niamehr is a group of skilled personal injury attorneys with your interests in mind. Akiva Niamehr has extensive knowledge and experience about the legal ramifications of dog bite attacks. We can help you get the money you deserve.

What Do I Do After a Dog Bite Attack?

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite attack, you should document the details and seek legal assistance immediately. Write down the name of the dog breed, its owner and any witnesses, as well as the injuries you have sustained. The sooner you take action, the more viable your case will be. Contact a personal injury attorney Akiva Niamehr LLP to find out what you are entitled to. Email or call us for a free consultation today at (800) 261-7001.